'Switzerland Can't Defend Itself From Full-Scale Attack': Army Chief Amid Rising Risks From Russia

Switzerland lacks power to defend itself against a full-scale attack and must boost military spending amid rising risks from Russia, the head of its armed forces said.

NZZ newspaper quoted Thomas Suessli saying the country is prepared for attacks by “non-state actors” on critical infrastructure and for cyber attacks, but its military still faces major equipment gaps.

“What we cannot do is defend against threats from a distance or even a full-scale attack on our country,” he said. Suessli will be stepping down at the end of this year.

“It’s burdensome to know that in a real emergency, only a third of all soldiers would be fully equipped,” he said in an interview published on Saturday.

According to Reuters, Switzerland is increasing defence spending,

modernising artillery and ground systems and replacing ageing fighter jets with Lockheed Martin F-35As. However, critics have questioned spending on artillery and munitions amid tight federal finances.

Meanwhile, Seussli criticised Switzerland’s distance from the conflict, its lack of recent war experience and the false belief that neutrality offered protection.

“But that’s historically inaccurate. There are several neutral countries that were unarmed and were drawn into war. Neutrality only has value if it can be defended with weapons,” he said.

According to Reuters, Switzerland has pledged to gradually raise defence spending to about 1% of GDP by around 2032, up from roughly 0.7% now – far below the 5% level agreed by NATO countries. With this, Switzerland military will be fully ready by around 2050. “That is too long given the threat,” Suessli pointed out.

Earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “Russia has violated our airspace with jets and drones, conducted sabotage and sent spy ships into our waters. These actions are reckless and they are dangerous.”

In past recent months, drones allegedly linked to Russia have violated Polish and Romanian airspace, disrupted airports and military sites in Western Europe, and a key rail line between Warsaw and Kyiv sabotaged in November. In response, Poland has deployed 10,000 troops to protect critical infrastructure, while Russia denies any involvement.

“Ukraine needs our support more than ever. We all want the bloodshed to stop, and I strongly welcome (US) President (Donald) Trump’s continued efforts to end this war,” he said.